Have you ever considered the process used by Project Managers (PM) to execute flawless Projects? PMs apply various "project management methodologies" to enhance project success.
The following six project management methodologies and frameworks are DLK’s top choices for achieving successful projects: PRINCE2®, PMBOK®, and SCRUM.org TM, AgilePM®, Waterfall, and Six Sigma TM to ensure project governance and success, for all DLK Clients.
Let's delve into the methods and their guiding principles.
6 Famous Project Management Methodologies
1. There's no “purple rain” here - PRINCE2® (Projects In Controlled Environment)
The most renowned methodology among professionals is the PRINCE2® approach, known for its seven principles: Continued Business Justification, Learning from Experience, Defined Roles and Responsibilities, Managed by Stages, Managed by Exception, Focus on Products, and Tailor to Project Environment. What makes PRINCE2® a DLK preferred choice, is its adaptability and flexibility. It's crafted to accommodate various projects and can be tailored to fit any project, regardless of its size or complexity.
DLK employs the PRINCE2® methodology, aligning with its longstanding adoption by the South African public sector. It effectively addresses the 6 Aspects of Projects: Scope, Budget, Risks, Timeframes, Quality, and Benefit, in line with public sector mandates. Its flexibility and adaptability render it suitable for a diverse array of project types.
2. When you Know, you Know - PMBOK® - Project Management Body of Knowledge
The Project Management Institute (PMI) published the PMBOK® guide which documents and standardises widely used project management knowledge and practises, serving as the foundation for any person striving to become a Project Manager. At DLK Group, there are many consultants within our company who practices the knowledge embodied within the PMBOK® guide. DLK ensures that our Clients receive knowledgeable experts within the Project Management field who are in possession of PMP® certification. DLK’s success can be confirmed by our 25-year track record in delivering successful projects within the public sector.
At DLK, our practices within the field of Project Management are based on approaches, methods, models and techniques highlighted within the PMBOK® Guide. DLK embodies the best practice approach referenced by PMI standards, ensuring project success for our Clients.
3. Let’s huddle and move forward together – “Like Rugby” SCRUM
“SCRUM methodology" typically refers to a set of principles, practices, and procedures that guide the implementation. It encompasses the core values, roles, events, and artefacts of SCRUM and provides a structured approach to managing projects.
"SCRUM framework" refers to the overall structure or skeleton, which outlines the Roles - Scrum Master, Product Owner, Development Team), Events - Sprint Planning, Daily Standup, Sprint Review, Sprint Retrospective, and Artifacts - Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, Increment. The framework provides a flexible structure which teams can adapt and implement according to their specific needs.
DLK applies SCRUM.orgTM because Its emphasis on adaptability, transparency, value delivery, empowered teams, continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and faster time to market makes it a popular choice for managing complex projects for our Clients.
4. Harnessing Agile
The “Agile methodology" encompasses various approaches to software development and project management. AgilePM® includes SCRUM, Extreme Programming (XP), Kanban, Lean, and Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM)as they all share the core values and principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto. The Agile method is fairly similar to the PRINCE2®, as it is tailored to suit most environments.
Overall, applying agile methodologies can lead to faster delivery, improved customer satisfaction, higher quality products, and a more adaptive and collaborative work environment.
DLK applies Agile for its Flexibility and client satisfaction, Delivery of incremental and continuous value to Clients, Faster time to market, Transparency and collaboration, Improved quality, Empowered teams, and Risk mitigation, which is beneficial to our Clients.
5. Keep Chasing Waterfalls
Our fifth methodology is the Waterfall Methodology which is a sequential approach to software development, where progress flows steadily downwards through a series of distinct phases: The Requirements Phase, The Design Phase, The Implementation Phase, The Testing Phase, The Deployment Phase, and The Maintenance Phase.
Each phase must be completed before moving on to the next, and changes are typically discouraged once a phase has begun. This linear structure provides clarity and predictability, making it suitable for projects with well-defined requirements and stable environments. However, it can be less flexible when requirements change or when rapid feedback and iteration are required.
DLK uses the Waterfall Method for its Clear and distinct stages, Predictability, Comprehensive Documentation, Minimal customer involvement, Suitability for stable requirements, and Ease of management.
Overall, the Waterfall methodology can be effective for projects with clear and stable requirements, where predictability and documentation are prioritized.
6. Six Sigma - Achieve your Black belt status, not the karate kind
Ending with a giggle:
Why did the Six Sigma Black Belt refuse to play poker? Because they could spot all the defects in the cards from a mile away!
Six Sigma is a methodology aimed at improving business processes by reducing defects and variations to near-perfection levels. and has since been widely adopted by companies across various industries. The goal of Six Sigma is to achieve processes that operate with only 3.4 defects per million opportunities (DPMO), which essentially means striving for near-perfect quality.
Key components of Six Sigma include Systematic problem-solving methods consisting of five phases: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. Six Sigma typically involves a hierarchy of roles, including Champions, Master Black Belts, Black Belts, Green Belts, and Yellow Belts which have specific responsibilities. Statistical Tools, Continuous Improvement Culture, Client Focus – to meet and exceed customer expectations, by reducing defects and variations in processes, organizations can deliver products and services that consistently meet customer requirements.
At DLK we readily apply Six Sigma because it embodies the principles of increasing efficiency and improving the quality of services produced. It has helped us make data-driven decision-making that is able to generate successful results when working on projects and is client-focused ensuring that the outcome of these results exceeds client expectations. DLK strives for continuous improvement, to better serve our Clients
Overall, Six Sigma offers numerous advantages to organizations seeking to improve their operational performance, drive business success, and achieve sustainable growth.
DLK is here to assist you:
We offer personalized consultations to discuss how we can tailor these methodologies to fit your specific project requirements. Our team at DLK Group is dedicated to helping you achieve success in your project management endeavours.
Written by Justin Southgate (intern at DLK Group)